PULMONOLOGY Flashcards
Which of the following is the most common method by which microorganisms gain access to the lower respiratory tract?
a. Aspiration from the oropharynx
b. Contiguous extension from infected pleural/mediastinal space
c. Hematogenous spread from distant sites
d. Overgrowth of normal respiratory flora
The correct answer is: Aspiration from the oropharynx
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the diagnostic work-up for pneumonia?
a. A sputum sample is considered adequate for culture if it contains >10 neutrophils and <25 squamous epithelial cells per low-power field.
b. Blood cultures have a high diagnostic yield and should be considered routine for all hospitalized CAP patients.
c. Pneumatoceles on the chest X-ray are suggestive of Staphylococcus epidermidis as the etiologic organism.
d. The most frequently isolated pathogen from blood cultures is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The correct answer is: The most frequently isolated pathogen from blood cultures is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Which phase of classic lobar pneumonia is characterized by the presence of a proteinaceous exudate and bacteria in the alveoli?
a. Edema
b. Red hepatization
c. Gray hepatization
d. Resolution
The correct answer is: Edema
Which of the following criteria should be met 24 hours prior to discharging a patient admitted for community acquired pneumonia?
a. Oxygen saturation of at least 95%
b. Respiratory rate of < 20 cycles/minute
c. Heart rate < 100 beats/minute
d. Able to walk at least 180 meters
The correct answer is: Heart rate < 100 beats/minute
Which of the following is considered an atypical causative organism for pneumonia?
a. Haemophilus influenzae
b. Klebsiella pneumoniae
c. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
d. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The correct answer is: Mycoplasma pneumoniae
A patient with hypertension and diabetes develops community-acquired pneumonia. The CURB-65 score is 0. Which among the following antibiotic regimens is most appropriate?
a. Azithromycin 500 mg PO once, then 250 mg OD
b. Co-Amoxiclav 2 g PO BID
c. Doxycycline 100 mg PO BID
d. Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO OD
The correct answer is: Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO OD
When advising patients regarding the expected course of recovery after treatment for CAP, chest pain and sputum production should have substantially reduced by which time frame?
a. 1 week
b. 4 weeks
c. 6 weeks
d. 3 months
The correct answer is: 4 weeks
Which among the organisms below is a multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogen below is known to cause ventilator-associated pneumonia?
a. Escherichia coli
b. Burkholderia cepacia
c. Proteus spp.
d. Serratia marcescens
The correct answer is: Burkholderia cepacia
Which of the following is the classic etiologic organism in Lemierre’s syndrome leading to lung abscess from septic embolization?
a. Aspergillus spp.
b. Fusobacterium necrophorum
c. Peptostreptococcus spp.
d. Rhodococcus equi
The correct answer is: Fusobacterium necrophorum
Which of the following is TRUE regarding lung abscess?
a. Lung abscesses may arise from septic emboli, particularly from mitral valve endocarditis involving Staphylococcus aureus.
b. Primary lung abscesses are more common in the left lung.
c. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative rods are the most common etiologic organisms in primary lung abscesses.
d. Putrid-smelling sputum is considered virtually diagnostic of an anaerobic lung abscess.
The correct answer is: Putrid-smelling sputum is considered virtually diagnostic of an anaerobic lung abscess.
A size of lung abscess of is less likely to respond to antibiotic therapy and might require surgical resection or percutaneous drainage?
a. 1-2 cm in diameter
b. > 2-4 cm in diameter
c. > 4-6 cm in diameter
d. > 6-8 cm in diameter
The correct answer is: > 6-8 cm in diameter
Which of the following is part of Virchow’s triad that predisposes to venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
a. Endothelial injury
b. Anemia
c. Platelet deficiency
d. Arterial hypertension
The correct answer is: Endothelial injury
What are the two most common genetic causes of prothrombotic states?
a. Antithrombin deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia
b. Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation
c. Protein C and Protein S deficiencies
d. Prothrombin G20210A mutation and antithrombin deficiency
The correct answer is: Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation
Which of the following are the most common gas exchange abnormalities seen in pulmonary embolism?
a. Arterial hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis
b. Arterial hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis
c. Increased A-a O2 gradient and arterial hypoxemia
d. Increased A-a O2 gradient and respiratory alkalosis
The correct answer is: Increased A-a O2 gradient and arterial hypoxemia
Which of the following is the most common symptom of pulmonary embolism?
a. Palpitations
b. Pleuritic chest pain
c. Syncope
d. Unexplained breathlessness
The correct answer is: Unexplained breathlessness
In patients with PE, which chest CT finding has been found to have an increased likelihood of death within the next 30 days?
a. Filling defects in ≥3 segmental pulmonary arteries
b. Pulmonary infarction
c. Right ventricular enlargement
d. Saddle embolus
The correct answer is: Right ventricular enlargement
For a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, which of the following should be visualized on chest CT with IV contrast?
a. Abrupt occlusion of vessels
b. Intraluminal filling defect in more than one projection
c. Prolonged arterial phase with slow filling
d. Segmental oligemia or avascularity
The correct answer is: Intraluminal filling defect in more than one projection
Which of the following statements regarding anticoagulation for VTE is TRUE?
a. Anticoagulation is considered primary therapy for VTE.
b. For patients with cancer and VTE, the recommended duration of anticoagulation is 6 months.
c. In case of major bleeding, the antidote for rivaroxaban is idarucizumab.
d. Warfarin requires bridging with a parenteral anticoagulant to nullify its early procoagulant effect.
The correct answer is: Warfarin requires bridging with a parenteral anticoagulant to nullify its early procoagulant effect.
After an initial fluid challenge, which of the following are the first-line inotropic agents for PE-related shock?
a. Dobutamine and epinephrine
b. Dopamine and dobutamine
c. Norepinephrine and dobutamine
d. Norepinephrine and epinephrin
The correct answer is: Dopamine and dobutamine
What is the treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)?
a. Balloon angioplasty of pulmonary arterial webs
b. Bosentan
c. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy
d. Sildenafil
The correct answer is: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy
For ARDS to be classified as severe, PaO2/FiO2 or PF ratio should be:
a. ≤ 50 mmHg
b. ≤ 100 mmHg
c. ≤ 200 mmHg
d. ≤ 300 mmHg
The correct answer is: ≤ 100 mmHg
Pro-inflammatory cytokines attracting leukocytes (especially neutrophils) into the pulmonary interstitium and alveoli occurs during which phase of ARDS?
a. Exudative
b. Fibrotic
c. Proliferative
d. Recovery
The correct answer is: Exudative
Which of the following events occurs during the proliferative phase of ARDS?
a. Breakdown of the tight alveolar barrier
b. Formation of hyaline membrane whorls
c. Increase in number of type II pneumocytes
d. Intimal fibroproliferation in the pulmonary microcirculation
The correct answer is: Formation of hyaline membrane whorls
The most important group of patients who benefit from a trial of non-invasive ventilation are:
a. COPD exacerbations with respiratory acidosis
b. Decompensated heart failure with arterial hypoxemia
c. Decreased sensorium with low minute ventilation
d. Pulmonary embolism with elevated A-a O2 gradient
The correct answer is: COPD exacerbations with respiratory acidosis
Which of the following is the correct term for what the ventilator senses to initiate an assisted breath?
a. Cycle
b. Limit
c. Mode
d. Trigger
The correct answer is: Trigger
In the absence of symptoms, a diagnosis of OSAHS is made if the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is greater than:
a. 5 episodes/hour of sleep
b. 15 episodes/hour of sleep
c. 30 episodes/hour of sleep
d. 50 episodes/hour of sleep
The correct answer is: 15 episodes/hour of sleep
Which of the following therapies for OSAHS has the highest level of evidence for efficacy?
a. Continuous positive airway pressure
b. Oral appliances
c. Upper airway neurostimulation
d. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
The correct answer is: Continuous positive airway pressure
What is the imaging of choice to guide thoracentesis?
a. Computed tomography
b. Magnetic resonance imaging
c. Fluoroscopy
d. Ultrasound
The correct answer is: Ultrasound
What primarily explains the development of effusion in tuberculosis?
a. Decreased lymphatic drainage from tuberculous fibrosis
b. Direct invasion of the mesothelial cells that line the pleural cavity
c. Granulomatous inflammation of the mediastinal lymph nodes
d. Hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculous protein in the pleural space
The correct answer is: Hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculous protein in the pleural space
What is the primary treatment of a patient with hemothorax?
a. Angiographic coil embolization
b. Chest tube insertion
c. Pleurodesis
d. Thoracotomy
The correct answer is: Chest tube insertion
Which of the following causes transudative effusion?
a. Asbestos exposure
b. Peritoneal dialysis
c. Rheumatoid pleuritis
d. Viral infection
The correct answer is: Peritoneal dialysis
Which of the following explains the development of bronchiectasis from tuberculosis infection?
a. Extrinsic compression of the airway by enlarged granulomatous lymph nodes leads to focal bronchiectasis
b. Deficiency of antiproteases results to uncontrolled damaging effects of neutrophil elastase and impaired bacterial killing
c. Immune-mediated reaction damages the bronchial wall predominantly involving the central airways
d. Lung fibrosis results to dilated airways from parenchymal distortion
The correct answer is: Extrinsic compression of the airway by enlarged granulomatous lymph nodes leads to focal bronchiectasis
What organism should be covered in the initial empiric antibiotic treatment of acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis?
a. Acinetobacter baumannii
b. Aspergillus flavus
c. Haemophilus influenzae
d. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex
The correct answer is: Haemophilus influenzae
Which of the following chest radiograph pleural findings specifically indicates past exposure to asbestos and not a sign of pulmonary impairment?
a. Effusion
b. Fibrosis
c. Plaque
d. Reticulation
The correct answer is: Plaque
What occupational lung disease is seen in high-resolution chest CT scan as profuse miliary infiltration and “crazy paving” or the polygonal shapes produced by diffuse ground glass densities with thickened septa?
a. Asbestosis
b. Chronic beryllium disease
c. Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
d. Silicosis
The correct answer is: Silicosis
What is the most common interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown cause?
a. Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia
b. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
c. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
d. Respiratory Bronchiolitis—associated ILD
The correct answer is: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
What is the current definitive test for establishing the presence of emphysema and diagnose co-existing interstitial lung disease and bronchiectasis in COPD?
a. Arterial blood gas and oximetry
b. Chest computed tomography scan
c. Bronchoscopy with lung biopsy
d. Pulmonary function test
The correct answer is: Chest computed tomography scan
Which is TRUE of the use of systemic glucocorticoids in patients admitted to the hospital for acute COPD exacerbation?
a. Avoided and not beneficial
b. Hastens recovery and reduces relapse
c. Given for at least eight weeks
d. Prolongs hospitalization due to side effects
The correct answer is: Hastens recovery and reduces relapse
According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), what is required to make the diagnosis of COPD? a. Body plethysmography b. Chest CT scan c. Peak expiratory flow measurement d. Spirometry F
The correct answer is: Spirometry
Which is TRUE of the physiologic abnormalities in COPD?
a. PaO2 immediately decreases once FEV1 starts to decline
b. PaCO2 immediately increases once FEV1 starts to decline
c. Shunt physiology is the major determinant of elevation in PaCO2
d. V/Q mismatch accounts for all of the reduction in PaO2
The correct answer is: Shunt physiology is the major determinant of elevation in PaCO2
What would the development of clubbing in a patient with COPD indicate?
a. Check for cor pulmonale
b. Chronic hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis
c. Consider lung malignancy
d. Very severe disease
The correct answer is: Consider lung malignancy
A 65-year-old male, chronic smoker with no previous hospitalizations, consulted for 3 month history of cough with associated dyspnea described as need to stop to rest when walking. Spirometry showed post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC 0.6, %predicted FEV1 60. What will you recommend?
a. Short-acting beta agonist
b. Long acting muscarinic antagonist
c. Long-acting beta agonist and inhaled corticosteroid
d. Long acting beta agonist, long-acting muscarinic antagonist and inhaled corticosteroid
The correct answer is: Long acting muscarinic antagonist
A 62-year-old male COPD patient on inhaled tiotropium started two months ago consulted the clinic because of persistence of breathlessness and exercise limitation. What will you recommend?
a. Add inhaled corticosteroid
b. Add theophylline
c. Shift to LABA/ICS
d. Shift to LABA/LAMA
The correct answer is: Shift to LABA/LAMA
Which is the most common allergen to trigger asthma?
a. Cat dander
b. Dust mite
c. Fungal spores
d. Grass pollen
The correct answer is: Dust mite
What is the characteristic histopathologic finding of airway remodeling in asthma?
a. Activation of mucosal mast cells
b. Mucosal infiltration of eosinophils and T lymphocytes
c. Subepithelial collagen deposition
d. Vasodilation and increased number of blood vessels
The correct answer is: Subepithelial collagen deposition
Which is TRUE of the diagnostic tests used in asthma?
a. Chest x-ray shows hyperinflation only in severe patients.
b. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide is used as an adjunct to rule in or rule out asthma.
c. Serum IgE is specific for asthma and elevated in all asthma phenotypes.
d. Whole body plethysmography is required to document lung volumes and capacities.
Feedback
The correct answer is: Chest x-ray shows hyperinflation only in severe patients.
A 25-year-old female, a famous singer, recently diagnosed to have bronchial asthma through spirometry, refuses to comply with prescribed daily inhaler because of fear of the possible side effects on the quality of her voice. She had allergic rhinitis for the past 5 years. She only has occasional twice a month symptoms of shortness of breath relieved by salbutamol tablets. What is recommended in this case?
a. Inhaled salbutamol PRN
b. Inhaled tiotropium daily
c. Oral montelukast daily
d. Oral salbutamol PRN
The correct answer is: Oral montelukast daily
What is the primary action of β2 agonists?
a. Inhibition of mast cell mediator release
b. Inhibition of sensory nerve activation
c. Reduction in plasma exudation
d. Relaxation of airway smooth muscle cell
The correct answer is: Relaxation of airway smooth muscle cell
A 63/F with heart failure and diabetic kidney disease on chronic hemodialysis was admitted for gradually progressive dyspnea and desaturation. CBC showed mild anemia and leukocytosis. On CXR, there was left lower lobe consolidation and a blunted left costophrenic angle. The Gram stain of the sputum sample shown below should prompt the addition of which antibiotic to the empiric regimen?
a. Azithromycin
b. Gentamicin
c. Levofloxacin
d. Vancomycin
• Gram (+) cocci in clusters: Staph aureus
The correct answer is: Vancomycin
Which of the following is the most common method by which microorganisms gain access to the lower respiratory tract?
a. Aspiration from the oropharynx
b. Contiguous extension from infected pleural/mediastinal space
c. Hematogenous spread from distant sites
d. Overgrowth of normal respiratory flora
Host Defenses Against Pneumonia • Mechanical factors o Hairs and turbinates of the nares o Branching architecture of the tracheobronchial tree • Mucociliary clearance • Local antibacterial factors • Gag & cough reflexes • Normal respiratory flora • Resident alveolar macrophages The correct answer is: Aspiration from the oropharynx
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the pathophysiology of pneumonia?
a. Interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor stimulate the release of neutrophils and their attraction to the lung.
b. It is the proliferation of microorganisms that triggers the clinical syndrome of pneumonia.
c. Rales on auscultation and the radiographic infiltrate are a consequence of alveolar capillary leak, similar to ARDS.
d. The most likely cause of an altered alveolar microbiota in CAP is previous antibiotic therapy.
- Interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor Interleukin 8 & G-CSF stimulate the release of neutrophils and their attraction to the lung. (IL-1 & TNF result in fever.)
- It is the host inflammatory response, rather than the proliferation of microorganisms, that triggers the clinical syndrome of pneumonia.
- The most likely cause of an altered alveolar microbiota in CAP HAP/VAP is previous antibiotic therapy. (For CAP, it is viral URTIs.)
The correct answer is: Rales on auscultation and the radiographic infiltrate are a consequence of alveolar capillary leak, similar to ARDS.
Which phase of classic lobar pneumonia is characterized by the presence of a proteinaceous exudate and bacteria in the alveoli?
a. Edema
b. Red hepatization
c. Gray hepatization
d. Resolution
The correct answer is: Edema
Which phase of classic lobar pneumonia is characterized by predominance of neutrophils and the disappearance of bacteria from the alveolar space?
a. Edema
b. Red hepatization
c. Gray hepatization
d. Resolution
The correct answer is: Gray hepatization
Which of the following is considered an atypical causative organism for pneumonia?
a. Haemophilus influenzae
b. Klebsiella pneumoniae
c. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
d. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Typical • Streptococcus pneumoniae • Haemophilus influenzae • Staphylococcus aureus • Klebsiella pneumoniae • Pseudomonas aeruginosa Usually respond to beta-lactam antibiotics
Atypical
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Chlamydia pneumoniae
• Legionella
• Respiratory viruses
Cannot be cultured on standard media or seen on Gram’s stain
Needs a macrolide, fluoroquinolone or tetracycline
The correct answer is: Mycoplasma pneumoniae
In influenza infection, which bacterial pathogen typically complicates the patient’s course with pneumonia superinfection or coinfection?
a. Burkholderia cepacia
b. Chlamydia pneumoniae
c. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
d. Staphylococcus aureus
The correct answer is: Staphylococcus aureus
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the clinical presentation of pneumonia?
a. A flat percussion note in an area of decreased breath sounds is reflective of underlying consolidated lung.
b. Correcting dehydration can lead to easier sputum expectoration and a more apparent infiltrate on CXR.
c. Due to enhanced inflammation and increased procoagulant activity, most ACS episodes occur beyond one week from the onset of CAP.
d. Gross hemoptysis is suggestive of pneumococcal pneumonia.
- A dull percussion note in an area of decreased breath sounds is reflective of underlying consolidated lung.
- Due to enhanced inflammation and increased procoagulant activity, most ACS episodes occur within the first week after onset of CAP.
- Gross hemoptysis is suggestive of CA-MRSA pneumonia.
The correct answer is: Correcting dehydration can lead to easier sputum expectoration and a more apparent infiltrate on CXR.
Pneumococcal resistance to beta-lactam drugs is due solely to which mechanism?
a. Low-affinity penicillin-binding proteins
b. Mutations in genes encoding topoisomerase II & IV
c. Superantigens such as enterotoxins B & C and Panton-Valentine leukocidin
d. Target-site modification caused by ribosomal methylation in 23S rRNA
• Mutations in genes encoding topoisomerase II & IV (resistance to fluoroquinolones)
• Superantigens such as enterotoxins B & C and Panton-Valentine leucocidin (seen in CA-MRSA strains)
• Target-site modification caused by ribosomal methylation in 23S rRNA (resistance to macrolides)
The correct answer is: Low-affinity penicillin-binding proteins
A 44/F working as a Disney cruise attendant just returned to the Philippines from a three-week onboard ship quarantine after a crewmate tested swab positive for SARS-CoV-2. Two days after disembarking, she started developing high-grade fever, productive cough, shortness of breath, and myalgias. She has no other co-morbidities. Upon hospital admission, nasopharyngeal swab was negative for SARS-CoV-2. Sputum cultures yielded only normal respiratory flora. Her CXR is shown below. Which diagnostic exam will MOST likely clinch the diagnosis?
a. GenXpert MTB assay of sputum samples
b. Legionella urinary antigen test
c. Repeat NP swab RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2
d. Sputum fungal cultures
• No growth on cultures raises possibility of atypical etiologic organism. Cruise ship exposure increases index of suspicion for Legionnaire’s disease.
The correct answer is: Legionella urinary antigen test
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a usual suspected pathogen for CAP in patients with the following underlying conditions, EXCEPT:
a. Bronchiectasis
b. COPD
c. Cystic fibrosis
d. Lung abscess
Typical pathogens in lung abscess:
- CA-MRSA
- Oral anaerobes
- Fungi
- TB
The correct answer is: Lung abscess
Which of the following epidemiologic factors is suggestive of Burkholderia cepacia as a possible etiologic microorganism of CAP?
a. Alcoholism
b. Bronchiectasis
c. Dementia
d. Lung abscess
The correct answer is: Bronchiectasis
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the diagnostic work-up for pneumonia?
a. A sputum sample is considered adequate for culture if it contains >10 neutrophils and <25 squamous epithelial cells per low-power field.
b. Blood cultures have a high diagnostic yield and should be considered routine for all hospitalized CAP patients.
c. Pneumatoceles on the chest X-ray are suggestive of Staphylococcus epidermidis as the etiologic organism.
d. The most frequently isolated pathogen from blood cultures is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• A sputum sample is considered adequate for culture if it contains >10 >25 neutrophils and <25 <10 squamous epithelial cells per low-power field.
• Blood cultures have a high low diagnostic yield (only 5-14% are positive) and should be are no longer considered routine for all hospitalized CAP patients.
• Pneumatoceles on the chest X-ray are suggestive of Staphylococcus epidermidis aureus as the etiologic organism.
The correct answer is: The most frequently isolated pathogen from blood cultures is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Which of the following is considered a risk factor for early deterioration in community acquired pneumonia?
a. Anemia
b. Hyponatremia
c. Severe respiratory alkalosis (PCO2 less than 30 mmHg)
d. Tachycardia > 120 beats/min
The correct answer is: Hyponatremia
A 62/M with a 30-pack-year smoking history was admitted for fever, productive cough, and right-sided chest pain. Chest X-ray reveals consolidation of the right middle lobe, similar to his films from a previous admission 2 months ago for pneumonia. After getting the necessary cultures and blood tests, which diagnostic test is MOST appropriate at this point?
a. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage
b. Chest CT with IV contrast
c. Endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration
d. VQ lung scan
• Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL fluid specimens can be cultured and analyzed for cell cytology, but would not be the next best step for this case)
• Chest CT with IV contrast (need to rule out an underlying neoplasm causing recurrent post-obstructive pneumonia in the same lung segment)
• Endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration (may be the next step to get a histologic diagnosis, if lung mass is visualized on chest CT and is easily accessible from the bronchus)
• VQ lung scan (more appropriate for CTEPH)
The correct answer is: Chest CT with IV contrast
The most important risk factor for antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal infection is:
a. Antibiotic use within the previous 3 months
b. Hospitalization within the previous 3 months
c. Immunocompromised state/condition
d. Prolonged, close contact with patient with known MDR infection
The correct answer is: Antibiotic use within the previous 3 months
A 70/F was admitted for difficulty of breathing on a 1-week background of productive cough, poor appetite, and increasing disorientation. Her vitals on arrival at the ER were as follows: BP 100/70, HR 116, RR 32, T 38.2 ℃, O2 sat 89%. Her CXR is shown below. What is the appropriate disposition for this patient?
a. Send home and treat as outpatient
b. Admit to observation unit pending lab results and cultures
c. Admit to regular room
d. Admit to ICU
CURB-65 CRITERIA: • Confusion • Urea >7 mmol/L • RR ≥30/min • BP ≤ 90/60 mmHg • 65 years or older
0: outpatient
1-2: inpatient
≥3: ICU
The correct answer is: Admit to ICU
A hypertensive, diabetic patient with CAP and a CURB-65 score of 0 should be started on which antibiotic regimen?
a. Azithromycin 500 mg PO once, then 250 mg OD
b. Co-Amoxiclav 2 g PO BID
c. Doxycycline 100 mg PO BID
d. Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO OD
Azithromycin - (only if no comorbidities or previous antibiotic use in past 3 months)
Co-Amoxiclav - (should still have an added macrolide for atypical coverage)
Doxycycline - (only if no comorbidities or previous antibiotic use in past 3 months)
CURB-65 CRITERIA: • Confusion • Urea >7 mmol/L • RR ≥30/min • BP ≤ 90/60 mmHg • 65 years or older 0: outpatient 1-2: inpatient ≥3: ICU
The correct answer is: Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO OD
The following beta-lactams are appropriate as empiric therapy against possible Pseudomonas pneumonia, EXCEPT:
a. Cefepime 1-2 g IV q12
b. Ertapenem 1 g IV OD
c. Meropenem 1 g IV q8
d. Piperacillin-tazobactam 4.5 g IV q6
• Ertapenem has no antipseudomonal coverage
The correct answer is: Ertapenem 1 g IV OD
The drugs of choice for CAP caused by Enterobacter species are:
a. Fluoroquinolones or carbapenems
b. Linezolid or vancomycin
c. Macrolides or doxycycline
d. Penicillins or cephalosporins
- Linezolid or vancomycin - (MRSA)
- Macrolides or doxycycline - (outpatient empiric therapy for patients with no comorbidities and no previous antibiotics, has atypical coverage)
- Penicillins or cephalosporins - (Enterobacter spp. are typically resistant to cephalosporins.)
The correct answer is: Fluoroquinolones or carbapenems
When advising patients regarding the expected course of recovery after treatment for CAP, chest pain and sputum production should have substantially reduced by which time frame?
a. 1 week
b. 4 weeks
c. 6 weeks
d. 3 months
The correct answer is: 4 weeks
For CAP with bacteremia involving likely MDR pathogens such as P. aeruginosa and MRSA, the recommended antibiotic treatment duration is:
a. 7-14 days
b. 7-21 days
c. 14-21 days
d. ≥ 28 days
The correct answer is: ≥ 28 days
MDR pathogens that cause VAP include the following, EXCEPT:
a. Acinetobacter spp.
b. Burkholderia cepacia
c. Legionella pneumophila
d. Serratia marcescens
The correct answer is: Serratia marcescens
The following are recommended prevention strategies for VAP, EXCEPT:
a. Early percutaneous tracheostomy if with abnormal swallowing function
b. Frequent handwashing to minimize cross-contamination
c. More frequent blood transfusions to improve host immunity
d. Sedation holidays to assess readiness for weaning/extubation
The correct answer is: More frequent blood transfusions to improve host immunity
In critically ill VAP patients, the most important risk factors for replacement of normal oropharyngeal flora with pathogenic microorganisms include the following, EXCEPT:
a. Antibiotic selection pressure
b. Cross-infection from other patients and contaminated equipment
c. Malnutrition
d. Prolonged duration of ventilation
The correct answer is: Prolonged duration of ventilation
The Achilles heel of the quantitative-culture approach to the diagnosis of VAP is:
a. Effect of antibiotic therapy
b. Frequent tracheal colonization of pathogenic bacteria
c. Inconsistency of Gram stain and culture results
d. Possibility of atypical organisms that may not grow on standard culture media
- Effect of antibiotic therapy - (a single antibiotic dose can reduce colony counts below the diagnostic threshold)
- Frequent tracheal colonization of pathogenic bacteria - (the quantitative approach actually aims to circumvent this, by setting diagnostic thresholds for culture colony counts above which true VAP infection is more likely than mere colonization)
The correct answer is: Effect of antibiotic therapy
Atypical pathogens have a markedly lower incidence in VAP compared to CAP. Which of the following is the exception to this observation?
a. Chlamydia pneumoniae
b. Legionella spp.
c. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
d. Respiratory syncytial virus
• Legionella can be a nosocomial pathogen, especially with breakdowns in the water treatment systems of hospitals.
The correct answer is: Legionella spp.
For non-ventilated patients with HAP, the only pathogen that may be more common in this population (compared to VAP) is:
a. Acinetobacter baumannii
b. Anaerobes
c. MRSA
d. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Anaerobes (greater risk of macroaspiration and lower oxygen tensions)
The correct answer is: Anaerobes
Which of the following is FALSE regarding non-ventilated HAP vs. VAP?
a. De-escalation of antibiotic therapy is more likely in HAP patients.
b. HAP patients generally have better underlying host immunity.
c. HAP patients have a higher frequency of non-MDR pathogens.
d. The risk of antibiotic failure is lower in HAP.
• De-escalation of antibiotic therapy is more less likely in HAP patients (due to difficulty in obtaining sputum samples appropriate for culture, compared to intubated patients)
The correct answer is: HAP patients have a higher frequency of non-MDR pathogens.
Lung abscesses are considered to be primary in the following patients, EXCEPT:
a. 21/M with known HIV infection
b. 36/F with scleroderma and esophageal strictures
c. 42/F with recent seizure episode
d. 64/M who came in with stroke and GCS 6
- Primary lung abscess: usually arise from aspiration, in the absence of an underlying pulmonary or systemic condition
- Secondary lung abscess: arise in the setting of an underlying condition, such as a post-obstructive process or a systemic process
The correct answer is: 21/M with known HIV infection
Which of the following is the classic etiologic organism in Lemierre’s syndrome leading to lung abscess from septic embolization?
a. Aspergillus spp.
b. Fusobacterium necrophorum
c. Peptostreptococcus spp.
d. Rhodococcus equi
The correct answer is: Fusobacterium necrophorum
Which of the following is the MOST likely pathogen in a primary lung abscess?
a. Legionella pneumophila
b. Nocardia spp.
c. Prevotella spp.
d. Staphylococcus aureus
- Infection begins in the pharynx, classically from Fusobacterium necrophorum
- Spreads to the neck and the carotid sheath
- Thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein leads to septic embolization to the lungs
The correct answer is: Prevotella spp.
Which of the following is TRUE regarding lung abscess?
a. Lung abscesses may arise from septic emboli, particularly from mitral valve endocarditis involving Staphylococcus aureus.
b. Primary lung abscesses are more common in the left lung.
c. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative rods are the most common etiologic organisms in primary lung abscesses.
d. Putrid-smelling sputum is considered virtually diagnostic of an anaerobic lung abscess.
• Lung abscesses may arise from septic emboli, particularly from mitral tricuspid valve endocarditis involving Staphylococcus aureus.
• Primary lung abscesses are more common in the left right lung.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative rods are the most common etiologic organisms in primary secondary lung abscesses.
The correct answer is: Putrid-smelling sputum is considered virtually diagnostic of an anaerobic lung abscess.
A 45/M epileptic with increasing frequency of seizures over the past month was admitted for a 1-week history of fever, night sweats, and productive cough. His CXR is shown below. Which drug regimen is MOST appropriate?
a. Clindamycin 600 mg IV q8
b. HRZE 4 tabs OD
c. Metronidazole 500 mg IV q6
d. TMP-SMX 160/800 mg/tab, 2 tabs q6
- Radiograph is of a primary lung abscess with air-fluid levels
- HRZE - PTB
- Metronidazole - covers anaerobes but not microaerophilic streptococci
- TMP-SMX - PCP pneumonia
The correct answer is: Clindamycin 600 mg IV q8
A lung abscess of what size is less likely to respond to antibiotic therapy and might need surgical resection or percutaneous drainage?
a. > 2-4 cm in diameter
b. > 4-6 cm in diameter
c. > 6-8 cm in diameter
d. > 8-10 cm in diameter
The correct answer is: > 6-8 cm in diameter
The following are part of Virchow’s triad that predisposes to venous thromboembolism (VTE), EXCEPT:
a. Endothelial injury
b. Hypercoagulability
c. Platelet activation
d. Venous stasis
Virchow’s triad: • Endothelial injury • Hypercoagulability • Reduced blood flow (stasis) The correct answer is: Platelet activation
What are the two most common genetic causes of prothrombotic states?
a. Antithrombin deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia
b. Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation
c. Protein C and Protein S deficiencies
d. Prothrombin G20210A mutation and antithrombin deficiency
The correct answer is: Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation
Which of the following is the most common acquired cause of thrombophilia?
a. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
b. Estrogen-containing contraceptives
c. Long-haul air travel
d. Malignancy
The correct answer is: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Which of the following are the most common gas exchange abnormalities seen in pulmonary embolism?
a. Arterial hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis
b. Arterial hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis
c. Increased A-a O2 gradient and arterial hypoxemia
d. Increased A-a O2 gradient and respiratory alkalosis
The correct answer is: Increased A-a O2 gradient and arterial hypoxemia
The hallmark signs/symptoms of massive pulmonary embolism include the following, EXCEPT:
a. Chest pain
b. Dyspnea
c. Hypotension
d. Syncope
• Cyanosis (not chest pain) is a hallmark sign of massive pulmonary embolism.
The correct answer is: Chest pain
Which of the following is the most common symptom of pulmonary embolism?
a. Palpitations
b. Pleuritic chest pain
c. Syncope
d. Unexplained breathlessness
The correct answer is: Unexplained breathlessness
D-dimer levels may be increased in the following conditions, EXCEPT:
a. Cancer
b. First trimester of pregnancy
c. Myocardial infarction
d. Sepsis
• D-dimer levels are increased in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
The correct answer is: First trimester of pregnancy
In patients with PE, which of the following is the most common abnormality on the ECG?
a. New-onset right bundle branch block
b. Sinus tachycardia
c. S1Q3T3 sign (McGinn-White sign)
d. T-wave inversion in leads V1 to V4
The correct answer is: T-wave inversion in leads V1 to V4
Which of the following is the primary diagnostic criterion for DVT on ultrasonography?
a. Absence of flow augmentation with distal compression
b. Increased intraluminal echogenicity
c. Loss of color flow on Doppler indicating absent blood flow
d. Loss of vein compressibility under moderate external pressure
The correct answer is: Loss of vein compressibility under moderate external pressure
Which of the following refers to the peripheral wedge-shaped density seen in pulmonary embolism?
a. Hampton’s hump
b. McConnell’s sign
c. Palla’s sign
d. Westermark’s sign
- Westermark’s sign: focal oligemia (paucity of pulmonary vascular markings)
- Palla’s sign: enlarged right descending pulmonary artery
- Hampton’s hump: peripheral wedge-shaped density usually located at pleural base (due to infarction of a pulmonary segment)
- McConnell’s sign: hypokinetic RV free wall
The correct answer is: Hampton’s hump
In patients with PE, which chest CT finding has been found to have an increased likelihood of death within the next 30 days?
a. Filling defects in ≥3 segmental pulmonary arteries
b. Pulmonary infarction
c. Right ventricular enlargement
d. Saddle embolus
The correct answer is: Right ventricular enlargement
A triple rule-out CT is primarily utilized to assess for the following differentials, EXCEPT:
a. Acute aortic syndrome
b. Acute coronary syndrome
c. Pneumothorax
d. Pulmonary embolism
The correct answer is: Pneumothorax
For a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, which of the following should be visualized on chest CT with IV contrast?
a. Abrupt occlusion of vessels
b. Intraluminal filling defect in more than one projection
c. Prolonged arterial phase with slow filling
d. Segmental oligemia or avascularity
The correct answer is: Intraluminal filling defect in more than one projection
A 35/F came to your clinic with a swollen left leg. She just came home from the US two days ago. She has no maintenance meds, but takes oral contraceptives. On physical exam, there is calf tenderness and pitting edema in the affected leg. The right leg appears normal. Which diagnostic test is MOST appropriate for this patient?
a. D-dimer
b. Invasive contrast phlebography
c. MR venography with gadolinium contrast
d. Venous duplex ultrasound
The correct answer is: Venous duplex ultrasound
Which of the following statements regarding anticoagulation for VTE is TRUE?
a. Anticoagulation is considered primary therapy for VTE.
b. For patients with cancer and VTE, the recommended duration of anticoagulation is 6 months.
c. In case of major bleeding, the antidote for rivaroxaban is idarucizumab.
d. Warfarin requires bridging with a parenteral anticoagulant to nullify its early procoagulant effect.
• Anticoagulation is considered primary therapy secondary prevention for VTE.
• For patients with cancer and VTE, the recommended duration of anticoagulation is 6 months indefinite or until rendered cancer-free/in remission.
• In case of major bleeding, the antidote for rivaroxaban is idarucizumab andexanet. (Idarucizumab is for dabigatran.)
• Warfarin requires bridging with a parenteral anticoagulant to nullify its early procoagulant effect. (at least 5 days)
The correct answer is: Warfarin requires bridging with a parenteral anticoagulant to nullify its early procoagulant effect.